BarkingDogShoes | Reviews and Deals - Comfortable Shoes for Women

Comfortable Women's Shoes | El Naturalista Iggdrasil Clog for Under $90

Owning this shoe has crossed into the realm of possibility (skip to third paragraph to find out why and dismiss my rambling). The longer I hold out to buy a pair, the more obsessed I become with the El Naturalista Iggdrasil from Rioja, Spain. I've been on a Spain kick lately while planning my son's multicultural day at school. His classroom celebrated the country with a fabulous flamenco dancer, tapas and mock bullfighting! It brought back my love of Spanish language and culture and I began to wonder when I might get back into the teaching profession.

Back to the shoe. While the heel may look like a giant piece of turron candy, the Iggdrasil offers an anatomical insole designed to absorb shock and gorgeous vegetable-tanned leather uppers that come in an array of colors. Find out more about the fit and feel of the El Naturalista Iggdrasil by reading my review from April. 

The best news of all: the El Naturalista Iggdrasil clog can be yours for under $90 thanks to Amazon's special offers promotion. When you select certain sizes and colors, $20 will be deducted from the sale price at checkout. I found a pair in black, size 40 (10) for $87 with free super saver shipping. Ole! You can also find a great selection of El Naturalista footwear at Endless.com.

Do you own a pair of El Naturalista shoes? What do you love about them? How do they fit?

Another great deal on Amazon: Sanita Marcelle clogs for $59.90+9.95 shipping

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Reader Question: Dress Shoes with Wider Toe Box

Hi,

Your blog is an amazing resource. Thank you so much for the great reviews and information!

I've recently given up on wearing shoes that are too tight. I struggle with the wide toe box/narrow heel problem. Wide shoes slip off, and regular shoes pinch my feet (even Sofft’s are usually too narrow). I don't have painful problems yet, but I've decided I don't want to run the risk by wearing tight-toe shoes anymore.

I have a few shoes I love, Dansko's with buckles to keep them on, Ariat clogs, and one pair of Keen boots. Your "Roomy Toe Box Shoes" category has some great fun shoes, but I'm having trouble finding just what I'm looking for: something dressy and sexy enough to wear with a little black skirt and go dancing, or to a very fancy dinner. Heels are fine, and even preferred, but suede is my nemesis.

Hope you can help!

Hermione

Hi Hermione!
Thanks for the kind words and I sure hope I can help you find a dressy, sexy shoe that won't pinch your toes while staying put on your foot.

A few ideas:

• Born Makenna: Dress them up or down. Born tends to run slightly wide, but with the instep strap, these should stay put. Only two customer reviews, but both great.
  
• Bella-Vita Talent: I love the look of this shoe.  I've read that this brand has an accommodating toe box for a heel. Also comes in 4 widths. Some customers say heel is too wide. Maybe try Heavenly Heelz?
• J-41 Fabulous--very cute, but maybe too cute? Great reviews. J-41 usually runs 1/2 size small. I also find the toe box to be wide enough, but sometimes too short for long toes!
  
• Ros Hommerson Chili--RH shoes are usually quite orthopedic looking, but the "red" collection are anything but! Rounded toe, instep strap, good reviews.
• Clark's Shire Town: Lower kitten heel, but very classy in black patent. Great reviews.
• Indigo (by Clark's) Musing: Indigo is known for their rounded toe styles and nicely cushioned footbed.

If I come across more ideas, I'll forward them on to you!

Kirsten at BarkingDogShoes.com

Hermione ended up ordering the Born Makenna and the Aravon Mia (a shoe I had reviewed last year). The Mia was a great choice as it has a wide toe box and narrow heel with an instep strap. Aravon (a New Balance company)  has an updated style called the Maya that comes in pretty metallic leathers. I'm hoping they work out for her! Stay tuned...

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Born Della Clog Revisited

'Tis the season for berry red patent clogs. I first reviewed this comfortable shoe back in July, but find myself wearing the Born Della more as the oranges and russets of fall fade making way for cooler, crisper colors of the coming season. I also wear these more because they're just fabulously foot-friendly.

If Dansko or Sanita clogs are too hard on the soles of your feet, try a pair of these lightweight, cushioned clogs by Born. The fit is fantastic, with moderate arch support and plenty of room for the toes. You can even adjust the width across the instep--those silver buckles not only look cool, they're functional!

I've had some bad experiences with other open-back clogs- I start walking at a faster clip and send one flying into the air. Not so with these;  they stay put. 

Normally I wear the Born Della with jeans, but decided to dress them up today with tights, pleated skirt, black turtleneck sweater and my favorite necklace passed on to me from my mom--I think it's from Israel? All this to show you it's truly a versatile little shoe.

Where to buy the Born Della (whole sizes only, order up if half size):

• BornShoes.com: $90, free shipping.
• Zappos: $94, free shipping both ways.
• Shoeline: $91, free shipping.
• Shoebuy: $89.95, free shipping and returns (Shoebuy has great 20% off sales every few weeks).
• OnlineShoes: $89.95, free shipping and exchanges.

Daily Deal: The lovely El Naturalista Iggadrasil clog is available for $87.90 (reg. $140) with free shipping at Amazon (extra $20 saving reflected at checkout).

Comfortable Women's Shoes | 6 Cozy Shoes for Winter

When you're not quite ready to don the full-on Ugg boot look, try one of these cozy, comfortable shoes.

1. Merrell Encore Chill: The support you've come to love from Merrell with a generous dose of wool fleece. The purple shade is new this fall!  Read my review from 2008. $94

 

2. J-41 Capri: 11 five-star reviews for comfort and style. I'm a click away from owning these. You like them too? Just be sure to order up a half size. $123

 

3. Keen Cheyenne Lace: If you don't want your feet to totally overheat, try this style by Keen. The Cheyenne Lace has a pared down microfleece lining. $84

 

4. Sanita Marian Open: Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (as are ALL stapled clogs by Sanita), you've got a rocker sole, roomy toe box, anatomically shaped footbed AND faux fur! $114

 

5. Me Too Censor: I'm throwing in a heel here. Not just any heel, but one by Me Too which means padded insole, round toe and flexible outsole. The heel may look ridiculously high, but keep in mind there's a substantial platform up front to balance it out a bit. $109.95

 

6. Cole Haan Air Luna: A red patent leather shearling mule. Why hasn't Ugg thought of this? Plus Nike Air technology for extra comfort and support! $127.95

Deal of the Day:  Extra 20% off all boots at Naturalizer.com--great selection (you'll see savings at checkout)!

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Cape Clogs Review

These are Cape Clogs. Their origin can be traced back 150 years ago to a farm in southern Sweden.

They're made of alderwood with a stapled leather upper. Aren't they fun?

Check out all the  patterns, colors and styles at CapeClogs.com! The style I'm wearing is the Ikebana. I get compliments every time I wear them.

If you've worn wooden clogs before and find them comfortable, you'll love Cape Clogs. The arch support is awesome and the fit is perfect (run true to size). For those of you with extra-sensitive feet, the alderwood footbed may be too hard on your soles. I found this to be true after wearing them with bare feet for too long. Try them with a pair of socks--helps tremendously!

 

If you're a fan of Hanna Andersson styles for kids, be sure to browse the children's line of Cape Clogs. Adorable. 

Cape Clogs are available from $50 (childrens) to around $85 (adults) at CapeClogs.com, Shoebuy and Amazon.